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was it not obvious
that the man had learning problems?
Oh, hold on, I forgot, it is HMRC we are talking about!
It's not that clear cut
My son is classed as "severely dyslexic", but works as a mechanic in Australia. He is not only a manager, but deals with his own tax affairs, making sure his accountant gets all he needs.
I appreciate the man had difficulties, but to make it sound like dyslexics are slow, thick, or whatever just because they are dyslexic is not right, and does a disservice to our professional accounting colleagues who are dyslexic. (and other folks like my son)
Not just dyslexia
I think the dyslexia was a minor part of this guy's difficulties (Mental age of 12) I used to work with a dyslexic - clever guy.
I don't think the article misrepresented dyslexia
to make it sound like dyslexics are slow, thick, or whatever just because they are dyslexic
The article didn't do that. It made clear that weak reading skills were just one of his problems.
The judge thought otherwise
the man did not 'have difficulties' he was unable to engage fully... etc etc.
No one is unsympathetic to people with dyslexia...except perhaps HMRC.
This is the trouble
You get behind with your filing, and your open season for HMRC, there very cruel on the small guy, mind you they are more interested in the big fish theses days.
Lay off the tiddlers like John Clark.
This case
Was also cited here about 2 months ago:
https://www.accountingweb.co.uk/anyanswers/question/unwell-client-what-s...
More than dyslexia
I have personal associations with people with learning difficulties.
No two cases are the same- dyslexia is only one area of a far-reaching situation which "normal-minded" people cannot relate to.
In this case no physical symptoms and probably a wish to disguise the inherent problems- I know it well.
As I J Lessels says- clever guy. I can better that- one person who cannot read or write can go to the supermarket without a list (obviously) but still remember everything to buy for a week for a family of 6 including 4 youngsters. Me? I've got a very high IQ (blush) but "if it ain't on the list it don't exist"
O for the good old days when there was a local face to face opportunity for HMRC (and others) to understand that not all people are the same.
Vulnerable taxpayers
What has happened to common sense?
HMRC should be making special allowance for those suffering from disabilities such as dementia, depression etc.who are unable to cope. There seems to be no allowance for such circumstances and HMRC whilst sticking to the letter of the law relies on compassionate professionals to solve such problems on a pro bono basis.
So what's so unusual?
I can think of far more appropriate words than callous or unconscionable. These people have absolutely no understanding of the pain that tax causes the small trader. They give the impression that all thy are interested in is abusing the powers available to them. Those who attempt to make it on their own cannot expect fair or impartial treatment from the Revenue, let alone support or assistance.
HMRC are not humane
I totally understand Mr Clark's problem because it is a daily battle to me to make HMRC understand what I am talking about.
It appears to me that HMRC hasn't got a clue what the world really like. They dont have business or accountancy knowledge at all.
They appear to be ignorant or just playing ignorant.
HMRC 30 years ago was not the same as now. They used to be knowledgeable with regards to taxation and accounts and business matters. Current HMRC bread are totally.......
I will stop here.
He had mental age of 12 - but sole carer for his daughter
As is usual in these cases - lots of conflicting parts -
Dyslexia(my husband and daughter are dyslexic) does not mean he is unintelligent - if he really had a mental age of 12 - surely he would not have been deemed fit to look after a child.
I have lots of clients who are dyslexic - but they all keep records and deal with their legal obligations.
It is his mental state which seems to be the problem here. We had a client who developed dementia - HMRC were no where near the worse to help us - pension companies were a nightmare.
mental age of 12
I was not talking about Clark in particular. I was talking about similar cases with HMRC.
Are there anyone there who are happy with HMRC?
thank you Sally 1964.
Happy with HMRC?
Errrrr- Rosalind Your holding of breath is not recommended. Unless HMRC assure us all is well with "customer service"
Heartless organisation gone too far!
! recently had an appeal for late filing penalties dismissed out of hand even though the client had really serious mental issues and had been sectioned! Not a reasonable excuse apparently. Of course, I am going to fight it tooth and nail.
HMRC - Horrible Mean Robbing Cu...Creatures!
Unreasonable
I have received letters from HMRC recently asking for the information being requested to be delivered in less than 14 days. What the hell do these fools expect. Are we supposed to simply clear our desks and see to their requests? They can't answer a letter in less than 6 weeks but we should disrupt the work of the office to see to their demands. The whole point is that they are hell bent on imposing fines and penalties and turning down genuine claims.
HMRC are rapidly becoming a disgrace to Britain